“Do one thing that scares you every day.” Heard that one before? I’m sure you have. There is value to the sentiment. Fortunately, you can find ideas for breaking free of your comfort zone with a search online right now.
Being a shy person myself, everyone is always urging me to break out of my comfort zone. Do something new! If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that this is easier said than done. But here’s what happens when you take the leap!
1. You Will Feel Uncomfortable, and That’s OK!
This one sounds negative, but it’s not. Feeling uncomfortable is something we should embrace. It will help you understand yourself better. Question why you are uncomfortable. Break it down into manageable steps so you can begin to overcome it!
2. You Will Become More Confident
Trying new things is good for you, and in time it will make you feel great. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised by what you are able to do. For me, it’s always social interactions. Lately, I’ve been going out more and more and taking it one step at a time. Each time I made a small goal. First, it was to talk to just one stranger, and then it was to tell a joke to a group, and so on. As a result, I am now much more confident in an environment that I was afraid of just a few months ago.
3. You Will Begin to Eliminate Fear and Self-Doubt
Different than becoming confident, eliminating fear and self-doubt is an internal process. Your mental and physical perception of yourself determines how you live. By trying new things, you will realize that you are not alone and that everyone is different!
4. You Will Become Better at Stress Management
Stress ails every living person at some point in their daily lives. While it is impossible to remove it entirely (if you know how, tell me!), trying new things trains you to have an open mind and manage the pressure of stress in a healthier and more efficient way.
5. You Will Grow as an Individual
Stepping away from the familiar forces you to interact with the unfamiliar. This simple act is giving you new experiences and lighting up the parts of your mind that think and learn. How can you expect to move up in life if you’re living inside a bubble? Break the bubble!
6. You Will Meet New People
This one goes without saying. For so many of us, it’s the people in our lives that define and motivate us. It can be hard to break away from the people you know to try something new. But by doing so, you’ll meet a whole new world of people who will open you up in completely unexpected ways.
7. You Will Start to Live in the Moment
This is incredibly important, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Stepping outside your comfort zone forces you to be constantly aware of your actions and surroundings, keeping you on your toes. It will teach you to appreciate the “now” and live in the “later” when it comes.
8. Your Quality of Life Will Improve
Believe it or not, taking risks does more than get your heart rate up. It encourages you to throw some incredible experiences under your belt. A few years ago, I signed up to be a canoe-tripping guide up north and I couldn’t even stern a canoe! But I threw myself into an unfamiliar situation that forced me to adapt. To this day, it remains one of the best experiences of my life.
9. You Will Smile More
It seems small, right? Wrong. Smiling is huge. Trying new things affects us in the same way that exercise affects how we feel. Getting out there is your brain’s way of going for a run or playing a game of tennis.
10. You Will Live Longer
Yes, believe it or not, trying new things will lengthen your life. By constantly pushing yourself, you are forcing your mind to stay young and active. This type of activity is extremely healthy and beneficial. Bonus: you will start to feel amazing!
11. You Will Become a Better Person
Ultimately, stepping out and doing things you aren’t familiar with will make you open up and see the world in a new light. Life is an open possibility! Sometimes you need to step away from what you know in order to truly see it for what it’s worth.